For teenagers in foster care, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) can help cultivate trusting relationships, teach life skills, promote self-esteem, and demonstrate that they are more than their turbulent childhood experiences. A positive adult presence can be a pillar of strength, showing teenagers that their past traumas do not define them and that they can shape their futures. For 14-year-old Juan*, CASA Robert has become his pillar of strength after he was abandoned by a paternal relative and entered the foster care system in 2023.
Building trust is a significant hurdle for many teenagers in foster care. Numerous adults may have let them down, and the instinct to protect themselves can lead to resistance against forming new relationships. During their first interactions, Juan was closed off and suspicious of CASA Robert. For a few visits, all Juan would say to CASA Robert was “yes,” “no,” and “I do not know.” Nonetheless, CASA Robert kept showing up, and then, on their fourth visit, Juan was open to going out to eat, and the walls he had put up began to come down. CASA Robert then discovered Juan was a talented artist who sketches cartoons and enjoys skateboarding.
CASA Robert dedicated himself to ensuring that Juan receives the support he needs to thrive academically. After getting to know Juan and meeting with his school counselor, CASA Robert learned that Juan’s volatile childhood environment caused him to spend numerous years without attending school, and his reading was at a first-grade level. Making his education a top priority, CASA Robert became Juan’s education rights holder, the point person for all his educational needs. Understanding the challenges Juan faced, he was an adamant advocate in ensuring he received a reassessment of his Individualized Education Program (IEP) to include services for his learning disabilities that had been overlooked until CASA Robert spoke up. Juan received his reassessment earlier this fall, a pivotal moment for his educational journey and future.
Not only is CASA Robert a fierce advocate for Juan and his schooling, but he also understands the strong bond between children and their parents. His commitment extends to helping Juan reunite with his mother, facilitating supervised visits, and encouraging consistent communication among Juan’s supportive team. Because of CASA Robert’s efforts, Juan’s relationship with his mother has rekindled, evolving from scheduled visits to overnight weekends, ultimately leading to Juan living with her and his siblings.
CASA Robert exemplifies what it means to be a supportive adult in a young person’s life at a critical moment that shapes their identity and future trajectory. He embodies determination and empathy as he guides Juan toward a successful transition into adulthood and a caring home environment with his family. With each step he takes, he is not just advocating for services and support for Juan; he is paving the way for him to heal, grow, and have a brighter future.
Name: Robert H.
County: Riverside
Occupation: Part-time culinary cook
Became a CASA in: 2023
Favorite quote: “The more healthy relationships a child has, the more likely he will be to recover from trauma and thrive. Relationships are the agents of change, and the most powerful therapy is human love.”
You, too, can make a significant difference in the lives of youth in foster care. Your support and advocacy can be a beacon of hope for young teenagers like Juan.
Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today. *Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
Fallbrook Regional Health District Awards Voices for Children $15,000 to support children living in foster care